Homebody: A Photoblog of Kings Park (And Close By): #13: Climbing Mt. Everest

      When I first started to get involved with digital photography it seemed as daunting as climbing Mount Everest.

       At that time, in 2005, I had almost 40 years experience with 35 mm film cameras.  I got decent photos... some times.  I had to send my film to a lab and wait for days to receive the prints.  If I made creative changes when taking a shot, the lab processing could override that and I’d get the “correct” exposure back.  I was not able to dedicate the space to invest in a darkroom set-up to really get creative.  I gradually drifted away from photography and was only taking pictures two or three times a year, if that.

        I recognized that the new digital technology of photography that was taking hold could change all that.  I experienced the power of digital photography with a 1 Megapixel camera that was built into a digital camcorder.  Using the very basic photo software that came with my HP Windows computer, “Image Zone,” I was able to make some cool photographs with that basic equipment.  I was having a lot of fun.  The photography bug had bitten me again.

      However, to get into digital photography at my advanced age seemed like climbing Mount Everest.  I had to learn a ton about computers, camera technology, photo software, and camera techniques that were now easily available for my use.  (Ever hear of rear curtain flash?  I didn’t until I owned a digital SLR and could easily use this great photo effect.)  I launched into self-teaching mode by reading everything I could find on these subjects.  In 2008 I took it up a notch by deciding to become the best I could…and letting others teach me!

       So I started the digital climb because, just like climbing that mountain, I knew the view would get more awesome each step of the way.  Where am I now?  I feel like I’m still packing my bags for the trip to Nepal, let alone having arrived at base camp!  But I know that when I do get to base camp the view will be even more awesome than I ever imagined.

      Kings Park Photo Club:  The next meeting will be a sunset/moonrise photo opportunity on the beach in Fort Salonga.  Day and time is Thursday, September 19th at 6:20 PM in Fort Salonga.  If you are interested in attending, or joining the Club, please contact me at lwkelly113@gmail.com.  We will not be meeting at our usual site, the Kings Park Library, on that night.  Join us and photograph the setting sun and the rising full moon, which will occur within a few minutes of each other that night.

       Thanks for reading.  As always, please post any suggestions for future topics in the comments.